Industry Dinner Friday 14 May

The Dalby BEST (Bringing Schools and Employers Together) group held its Inaugural Industry Dinner on Friday night at the Dalby Events Centre. The purpose of the evening was to have students from the Year 9 cohort in Dalby sit down with local employers to discuss what they are looking for in their workplace. Students could ask questions about qualifications that are needed and what qualities employers are looking for in their workers. We certainly had a fantastic night with several highlights. These included a fantastic speech from Councillor Ian Rasmussen that encouraged students to look to their local employers as their future. Mrs Helen Nolan, Executive Director (Strategic Liaison Education Community) from the University of Southern Queensland highlighted the opportunities that students have connecting work to further study in the tertiary sector. She pointed out that many students at tertiary level do not commence study until much later in life. Doctor Judy Cawdell – Smith spoke to the audience about the future of the agricultural industry and focussed on the new Agricultural Hub that is being developed at USQ and the new Agricultural programs being run at the Uni.

The BEST group will be making this event a highlight every year for our Year 9’s and we look forward to next year being bigger and better.

Guest Speaker for National Careers Week

On Monday, the College hosted Karen Browning from the University of Southern Queensland Careers Program. Karen spent time engaging with the Year 9 – 12 students discussing what career is, the world of work and what is happening out there, what jobs are around now and possibly in the future. This is aimed at getting students to think a little more broadly about jobs and what skills they need for the future. Karen certainly gave students a lot to think about and importantly, students were given a broad outline about the importance of transferable skills and micro credentials. Our students are certainly entering a world that thinks very differently about careers and work.

QTAC and Work Pathways for Year 12

Starting this Friday during first lunch, I will have an open office in the Library to meet with Year 12 students. During this time students can sit with me to look at University options, Early Round Offers, Resumes, applications for apprenticeships and anything else that they are unsure about. During this time, I will also be helping students to set up their ATAR accounts and their QTAC accounts once these portals are open. During Term 3, students will be asked to organise a meeting for themselves and their parents so that we can discuss individual applications and post Year 12 pathways. As always, parents can book a time to meet with me at any time of the year to discuss any of these areas. On Friday 23 July, the Dalby BEST group will be hosting a Careers Market at the Dalby PCYC. As details for this event are finalised, I will be sending home information to students and parents. This event will provide a fantastic opportunity for parents and students to speak with staff from universities and some of the big employers in Dalby. We will also have, on site for the day, representatives from apprenticeship companies and TAFE Southwest and hopefully QTAC will also be involved by running short sessions for parents and students.

Libby Baxter

Careers Development Practitioner